Publication
Evaluation of the biotechnological potential of algae extracts against anthracnose in olives
| datacite.subject.fos | Ciências Naturais | |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Félix, Carina Rafaela Faria da Costa | |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Lemos, Marco Filipe Loureiro | |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Esteves, , Ana Cristina de Fraga | |
| dc.contributor.author | Silva, Afonso Henriques da | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-01-13T10:16:54Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-01-13T10:16:54Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-11-14 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The olive tree (Olea europaea) is one of the most important crops in the Mediterranean region, with a significant economic, social and cultural impact, being the olive oil production a strategic sector in Portugal. However, the crop faces phytosanitary challenges, namely anthracnose, caused by species of the fungal genus Colletotrichum, which causes significant losses in fruit quality and production. Extracts from marine organisms have emerged as promising alternatives in view of the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally safe solutions. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal potential of marine algae extracts against Colletotrichum sp. Extracts from five species of algae were obtained from the macroalgae Asparagopsis armata, Fucus vesiculosus and Sargassum muticum, as well as the dinoflagellate microalgae Amphidinium carterae and Coolia monotis. The initial phase included in vitro tests to assess the ability of these extracts to inhibit mycelial growth and spore germination of Colletotrichum sp. Subsequently, the most promising extracts were tested on olives, simulating the infection under close-to-real conditions. At the same time, toxicity of the extracts was evaluated to ensure their safety for the plants and fruits. The results showed that Fucus vesiculosus extracts had the highest antifungal efficacy, with 27.3% inhibition of mycelial growth in vitro and a 36.4% reduction in infection in olives. No toxicity was observed in olive leaves or fruit, further reinforcing the potential of this species. This study demonstrates the potential of seaweed extracts as biocontrol agents against fungi of the genus Colletotrichum in olive groves, contributing to the development of innovative and environmentally safe alternatives within the scope of more sustainable agriculture. | eng |
| dc.description.abstract | A oliveira (Olea europaea) é uma das culturas mais importantes da região mediterrânica, com um impacto económico, social e cultural significativo, sendo a produção de azeite um setor estratégico em Portugal. No entanto, a cultura enfrenta desafios fitossanitários, nomeadamente a antracnose, causada por uma espécie de fungo do género Colletotrichum, que provoca perdas significativas na qualidade e produção dos frutos. Os extratos de organismos marinhos têm-se revelado alternativas promissoras, tendo em conta a crescente procura por soluções sustentáveis e ambientalmente seguras. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial antifúngico de extratos de algas marinhas contra Colletotrichum sp. Foram obtidos extratos de cinco espécies de algas: as macroalgas Asparagopsis armata, Fucus vesiculosus e Sargassum muticum, bem como as microalgas dinoflageladas Amphidinium carterae e Coolia monotis. A fase inicial incluiu ensaios in vitro para avaliar a capacidade destes extratos de inibir o crescimento micelial e a germinação dos esporos de Colletotrichum sp. Posteriormente, os extratos mais promissores foram testados em azeitonas para simular a infeção em condições próximas das reais. Ao mesmo tempo, a toxicidade dos extratos foi avaliada para garantir a sua segurança para as plantas e frutos. Os resultados mostraram que os extratos de Fucus vesiculosus tiveram a maior eficácia antifúngica, com 27,3% de inibição do crescimento micelial in vitro e uma redução de 36,3% na infeção em azeitonas. Não foi observada toxicidade nas folhas ou frutos da oliveira, reforçando ainda mais o potencial desta espécie. Este estudo demonstra o potencial dos extratos de algas marinhas como agentes de controlo biológico contra fungos do género Colletotrichum em olivais, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de alternativas inovadoras e ambientalmente seguras no âmbito de uma agricultura mais sustentável. | por |
| dc.description.sponsorship | This project was funded by the Amélia de Mello Foundation through the OCEANFIRE project – Extinguishing fire blight with the sea: the potential of the invasive seaweed Asparagopsis armata against Erwinia amylovora and by the FAM Foundation through the FIRESEA project – from sea to land: using invasive seaweed against fire blight disease. This project also acknowledges NutriFarms for providing olives for the experimental trials. | |
| dc.identifier.tid | 204126703 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/15313 | |
| dc.language.iso | eng | |
| dc.rights.uri | N/A | |
| dc.subject | Agriculture | |
| dc.subject | Anthracnose | |
| dc.subject | Antifungal extracts | |
| dc.subject | Colletotrichum | |
| dc.subject | Marine resources | |
| dc.subject | sustainable solutions | |
| dc.title | Evaluation of the biotechnological potential of algae extracts against anthracnose in olives | eng |
| dc.type | master thesis | |
| dspace.entity.type | Publication | |
| thesis.degree.name | Mestrado em Biotecnologia dos Recursos Marinhos |